Bashtabya Castle: A Symbol of Mosul's Resilience

Bash Tapia Castle, also known as Bashtabiya Castle or Pashtabia Castle, is a ruined fortress from the 12th century built on the right bank of the Tigris forming part of the historic city walls of Mosul in Iraq. The ruins of the castle were an important archaeological site as they were one of the few surviving parts of Mosul's walls. The castle was a landmark and a symbol of Mosul's identity.Built in the 12th century, it was one of seven castles within Mosul's city walls. The fortress sits atop a network of underground passages, with two primary gates; one leading to the west, and the other leading down to the Tigris. It was damaged by Timur in 1393 and rebuilt by the Ottoman Empire. Bash Tapia Castle played an important role in the siege of Mosul during the Ottoman–Persian War of 1743–1746. The city was defended by the Pasha of Mosul, Hajji Hossein Al Jalili.The city of Mosul was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on June 10, 2014, and Bash Tapia Castle was damaged in the subsequent fighting. According to reports by the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism, the castle was blown up by ISIL in April 2015. The remains of the castle were recaptured by the Iraqi Army in June 2017.Visitors to Bashtabya Castle can explore its vast grounds, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of Mosul and the surrounding landscape. The castle is not only an important historical site but also a beautiful place to enjoy the serenity of the area. You can wander through its ancient halls and imagine the stories that unfolded within its walls.